Hiking, Equestrian, Walking and Biking Opportunities Available on New Trail
Dignitaries, equestrians, runners, artists and community members are invited to gather on Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the completion of the Iron Horse Trailhead, which completes the South Fork Trail at McBean Parkway.
This four-mile riding and walking path has been years in the making, and is now incorporated with the historic, 1898 railroad trestle bridge adjacent to Magic Mountain Parkway, which connects to the South Fork Trail.
¡°The Iron Horse Trailhead is a wonderfully unique partnership project between the City of Santa Clarita and Newhall Land designed to link our local trails with regional trails, providing a scenic pathway for users,¡± said Mayor Frank Ferry.
Located off Magic Mountain Parkway near Tourney Road, the Iron Horse Trail increases mobility options for residents who use the multi-use trail through the adjacent tree farm. The new trailhead area includes: a rest area with a 12¡¯ x 24¡¯ shade structure; benches and a kiosk; paved access road; equestrian parking for five trucks with trailers; paved parking for 14 vehicles; a drinking fountain; a water bubbler for horses; bike racks; an equestrian staging area; landscaping and lodge pole fencing; and a trailside art piece completed by two local artists Idelle Okman Tyzbir and Dianne Foderaro.
As part of the City¡¯s efforts to incorporate art throughout the City, the ¡°Crossroads at Iron Horse Trailhead¡± illustrates historic aspects of Santa Clarita. The art piece features three vertical steel angles rising15 feet into the air connected by crossing bars at the top of the sculpture, which echo the construction of the train trestle located nearby. Arms on the piece portray various historic aspects of the Santa Clarita Valley and point in the general direction of the landmarks, which include: Tatavium Native American Indians, Oak of the Golden Dream, Newhall Ranch, Lyons Station, Golden Spike and Mentryville.
The Santa Clarita Runners Club is planning a training run on the Iron Horse Trail and trestle bridge before the official dedication event at 8:00 a.m. on June 15, 2012. This non-competitive run is not officially measured or certified, but participants will receive a commemorative gift from the runners club. For more information on the training run, contact Phil Howard at PHoward@semcoinstruments.com.
For more information on the Iron Horse Trailhead dedication event, contact the City of Santa Clarita at (661) 255-4939, or visit HikeSantaClarita.com.